There's 'black gold' in the hills!
Oberon has some interesting
pursuits to attract tourists and
one of the most unusual is
hunting for 'black gold' --
Black Perigord truffles.
Visitors to Lowes Mount Truffiere can join Sue and
Col Roberts and their truffle dogs, Morris and Sully,
during the hunting season, which is in June, July and
August. The Roberts not only grow truffles for
market, they also make and sell truffle products,
such as oil and preserves.
Truffles are edible fungi that grow around the roots
of certain trees. They come in several varieties and
grades and the most expensive are worth thousands
of dollars a kilo.
In the past, they were usually hunted with pigs, but
once excited by the aroma, a big pig can get out of
hand and eat the truffle before the hunter can
secure it! So now most hunters use dogs.
Truffles have been prized by cooks for hundreds of
years. What exactly can you do with them?
Truffle is a flavour enhancer that brings a unique
earthy flavour to good food and the aroma is an
essential part of the experience. They are best
grated over fresh hot vegetables, pasta, potato or
rice dishes. Truffle scrambled eggs or omelettes are
easy to prepare -- simply by leaving eggs with truffle
in a sealed glass jar overnight. According to the
Roberts, truffle is also great with ice cream!
Truffle hunts at Lowes Mountain Truffiere are held
every Saturday afternoon or by appointment during
the season.
During a truffle hunt you will learn about the truffle
industry, see the truffle dogs in action, get to find,
smell and taste fresh black truffle; and later you will
be able to buy fresh and preserved truffle products.
The experience lasts around 90 minutes to two
hours and the cost is $60 per adult and $20 per
child under 16. Hunts are limited to 12 people so
bookings are essential.
Lowes Mount Truffiere
927 Lowes Mount Road, Oberon NSW 2787
P: (02) 6336 3148 | www.lowesmounttruffles.com.au
Welcome to Katoomba! The quirky
home of traditional shopping, it's
also the place where breathtaking
natural scenery, history, the arts,
and café culture merge, making it a
fascinating place to explore at a
leisurely pace---on foot.
To get the most out of your visit to
Katoomba, grab a "Katoomba's
Heritage and Art Walk" map from
one of the shops in Katoomba
Street.
It will help you appreciate the
historic buildings, murals, festivals,
"slow food" restaurants and picnic
spots. It will tell you where to find a
Tofu Burger, handmade Chocolates,
Cherry Strudel, handmade Sushi,
excellent Coffee from fresh-roasted
beans, Sourdough Bread, Cardamon
Cake, and steamed Dim Sims.
The brochure/map is an initiative of Katoomba Chamber
of Commerce and Community. Katoomba supports energy
descent: • Minimal use of plastics and disposables in our
businesses • Use of local products wherever possible,
reducing food miles and packaging, paper or cloth bags
for our shoppers • Development of car free tourism
experiences. info@katoombachamber.com.au
www.bluemountainstouristnewspaper.com.au
winter 2011
16